Prevalence of and risk factors for late diagnosis of HIV infection in Brazilian infants and children

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:  Late human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis is an important cause of HIV-related morbidity and mortality in infants and children.

METHODS:  This retrospective cohort study of HIV-infected children diagnosed in Sergipe, in northeastern Brazil, between 2002 and 2011 aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for late HIV diagnosis.

RESULTS:  Of 55 infants and children with confirmed infection, 42 (76.5%) were diagnosed at ≥ 12 months old. No antiretroviral prophylaxis during delivery (OR 5.48, 95% CI 1.11-32.34) was associated with late diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS:  More than 75% of cases were diagnosed late. Efforts are needed to improve early HIV diagnosis in infants.

Infant diagnosis; Vertical transmission; Polymerase chain reaction